2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1979 Volvo 66
To start off, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 66. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 66 would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1979 Volvo 66. (56 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Volvo 66.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volvo 66. (94 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volvo 66. 1979 Volvo 66 has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volvo 66 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1979 Volvo 66 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 66 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1550 mm |
